Flexible magnetic tool holder and method of making same

ABSTRACT

A flexible magnetic tool holder comprising a first flexible layer having an inner surface and an outer surface; a second flexible layer having an inner surface and an outer surface; a plurality of magnets disposed between said inner surfaces of said first and second layers where the plurality of magnets are arranged in a predetermined array such that adjacent magnets are spaced a predetermined distance apart from each other in a first direction and a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; and means for coupling the first flexible layer to the second flexible layer. The tool holder is flexible along the first and second directions thereby permitting the tool holder to conform to surfaces having various contours.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] Users of tools in assembly or repair work, or even home andoffice work, often encounter a need to have easy access to andportability of tools, parts, and hardware. The flexible magnetic toolholder of the present invention is portable and can conform to variouscontoured mounting surfaces, including the human body.

[0002] There are several devices in the prior art which are used to holdmetallic items or tools. U.S. Pat. No. 361,248, entitled HOLDER FORMETAL ARTICLES, to Winton; U.S. Pat. No. 2,580,099, entitled DOUBLEMAGNETIC HOLDING DEVICE, to Jaeger; U.S. Pat. No. 3,204,776, entitledMAGNETIC TOOL BOARD, to Brown et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 3,229,820, entitledMAGNETIC HOLDER, to Hentzi et al.; and U.S. Pat. No. 4,451,810, entitledMAGNETIC TOOL HOLDER, to Miller; all disclose the use of rigid,inflexible magnetic holders which will not conform to various contouredmounting surfaces Each device requires a permanent mounting base andeach must be nailed or otherwise affixed in place. The magnets of thesedevices are used solely to hold the tools and are not used to mount theholder in position.

[0003] U.S. Pat. No. 3,886,508, entitled MAGNETIC TOOL HOLDER, toLavrard, discloses several garment supports for magnetic tool holders.However, the garment supports are extremely bulky, making the toolholder uncomfortable to wear. Because of these bulky supports, the toolholder cannot be easily positioned on surfaces other than a human body.

[0004] Several prior art patents disclose the use of magnetsincorporated into a flexible material to protect automobile fenders.French Patent No. 1,359,867, entitled PROTEGE-AILE MAGNETIQUE, toMounier, discloses a curtain that is placed over a fender to protect thefender paint while the automobile is being serviced. The curtain is heldin place by a series of single magnetic bars placed within one edge ofthe curtain. This patent does not disclose or imply using the magneticbars to hold tools.

[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 3,924,212, entitled FENDER PROTECTOR CLOTH WITHFLEXIBLE MAGNETIC STRIPS, to Brown, discloses the use of magnetic rubberstrips in a fender protector. The strips are spaced at predeterminedintervals on the exterior of both sides of the protector to hold theprotector in place. The strips run across the entire width of theprotector so that the protector can be rolled up or contoured to theshape of the automobile fender. However, this protector cannot be easilyflexed across its width due to the long magnetic strips and thus theprotector cannot be folded widthwise for storage or ease in portability.Another disadvantage is that this protector must be used on relativelylarge span, fairly flat surfaces due to its unbendable long magneticstrips. The fender protector is not capable of supporting somewhatflexible but heavier tools because its two inch spaced narrow magneticstrips are not capable of providing sufficient magnetic field strengthfor heavy items.

[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 4,826,059, entitled MAGNETIC TOOL HOLDER, to Boschet al. (“the Bosch tool holder”), discloses a magnetic tool holdercomprising a main body, having a front face and a rear face, and aninterior magnet holding portion for holding at least one set of magnets.Each set of magnets comprises a plurality of juxtaposed (side-by-side)magnetic bars which are positioned in the interior portion of the mainbody such that the faces of the magnetic bars will attract metal on boththe front face and the rear face of the main body. With this positioningof the magnetic bar, the tool holder can be attached to and pulled awayfrom a mounting surface and repositioned on another mounting surface.One face of the main body is mounted on a metallic surface to positionthe tool holder so that a user can access tools. The other face of themain body is used to hold tools. The main body is made of a flexiblematerial such that the tool holder can be positioned on mountingsurfaces having varying contours, such as an uneven or a curved surface,due to the flexible main body and the side by side positioning of theplurality of magnetic bars.

[0007] However, the flexibility of the Bosch tool holder is limited dueto the side-by-side positioning of the plurality of magnetic bars.Because the plurality of magnetic bars in the Bosch tool holder arepositioned side-by-side, the tool holder can only flex a predeterminedamount (in terms of radius of curvature) depending on the width of themagnetic bars and whether the edges of the magnetic bars are sharp orrounded. Not only is the flexibility of the Bosch tool holder limited interms of the radius of curvature, the flexibility of the Bosch toolholder is also limited in that it is only flexible in one direction(i.e., along the edges of the side-by-side positioned magnets). Forexample, the tool holder may be flexed around a pipe only when theside-by-side positioned magnets are oriented parallel to thelongitudinal axis of the pipe. However, if the side-by-side positionedmagnets are oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the pipe,the tool holder will not flex around the pipe. This limitation preventsthe Bosch tool holder from being able to conform to surfaces that arespherical, or curved or uneven in more than one direction. Additionally,the foldability of the Bosch holder is limited, in that it can only befolded at the space provided between the sets of magnets. The optionsavailable to the end user are restricted. Another shortcoming of theBosch holder is requirement of the sets of magnets to be installed withopposing polarity, increasing the manufacturing costs. Additionally, theset of magnets is fairly large, resulting in a substantially heavyholder, thereby reducing it's ease of portability.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the presentinvention will become better understood with regard to the followingdescription, appended claims, and accompanying drawings where:

[0009]FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of the layers of flexiblemagnetic tool holder 10 according to one embodiment of the presentinvention;

[0010]FIG. 2A is a top view of flexible magnetic tool holder 10illustrated in FIG. 1;

[0011]FIG. 2B is a top view of flexible magnetic tool holder 10according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0012]FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of flexible magnetic tool holder10 taken across Section A-A of FIG. 2;

[0013]FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the layers of flexiblemagnetic tool holder 10′ according to another embodiment of the presentinvention;

[0014]FIG. 5 is a top view of flexible magnetic tool holder 10′illustrated in FIG. 4;

[0015]FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of flexible magnetic tool holder10′ taken across Section B-B of FIG. 5;

[0016]FIG. 7 is an assembled view of flexible magnetic tool holder 10holding tools 90, nuts 92 and bolts 94;

[0017]FIG. 8 is an assembled view of the flexible magnetic tool holder10 attached to a nonplanar surface;

[0018]FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an apron 100 having a magneticattractive portion 120 according to another embodiment of the presentinvention;

[0019]FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a wristband 200 having a magneticattractive portion 220 according to another embodiment of the presentinvention; and

[0020]FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a vest 300 having a magneticattractive portion 320 according to another embodiment of the presentinvention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0021] In the description that follows, like parts are indicatedthroughout the specification and drawings with the same referencenumerals, respectively. The figures are not drawn to scale and theproportions of certain parts have been exaggerated for convenience ofillustration.

[0022] One embodiment of the present invention provides a flexiblemagnetic tool holder for use as a tool and parts holder which can bepositioned on magnetically attractable mounting surfaces having varyingcontours. The flexible magnetic tool holder can be used by mechanics,plumbers, oil drillers, or the like, to hold tools, such asscrewdrivers, pliers, or wrenches; by office workers for office toolssuch as scissors and letter openers; by dentists and doctors for holdingthe tools of their trade; restaurant or household workers for tools,i.e. kitchen or garden; and by sports enthusiasts, including underwateractivities such as holding scuba diving tools. The use of the word“tool” throughout the specification and claims includes any metallicobject. Such objects can include hand-held tools, industrial tools,parts, and hardware (nails, nuts, bolts, paperclips, and the like). Theuse of the term “metal” or “metallic” throughout the specification andclaims means any material, metal or alloy which is attracted to amagnet.

[0023] Referring to FIGS. 1-3, a flexible magnetic tool holder 10according to one embodiment of the present invention is illustrated.Tool holder 10 is substantially flat and includes a first layer 20having a inner surface 22 and an outer surface 24 and a second layer 30having an inner surface 32 and an outer surface 34. Alternatively, oneskilled in the art would recognize that a single sheet of material maybe used and folded in half to create two layers. In the case where asingle sheet of material is used, the single sheet of material exhibitsa hypothetical longitudinal line that divides the sheet of material intoa first layer and a second layer when the sheet of material is foldedalong the longitudinal hypothetical line. Once the sheet of material isfolded, the inner surface of the first layer is facing the inner surfaceof the second layer.

[0024] Both first and second layers 20, 30 are made from a flexiblematerial such as PVC sheet material that is 0.1 mm thick. Although it ispreferable to use PVC sheet tool material as the flexible material forfirst and second layers 20, 30, other materials may be used such asleather, neoprene, cloth, or other flexible plastic materials. Also,although it is preferable that the PVC sheet material is 0.1 mm thick,other thicknesses may be used depending on the application.

[0025] Disposed between the inner surfaces 22, 32 of first and secondlayers 20, 30 are a plurality of thin, square magnets 40 such that thefaces of magnets 40 will attract metal on both the outer surfaces 24, 34of first and second layers 20, 30. Magnets 40 are arranged in astaggered array as shown in FIG. 2A such that no magnet 40 is contiguouswith another magnet 40 leaving a predetermined space L_(y) betweenadjacent magnets 40 in the y-direction and a predetermined space L_(x)between adjacent magnets 40 in the x-direction (i.e., perpendicular tothe y-direction). Alternatively, magnets 40 may be arranged in a lineararray as shown in FIG. 2B such that no magnet is contiguous with anothermagnet leaving a predetermined space Ly between adjacent magnets 40 inthe y-direction and a predetermined space L_(x) between adjacent magnets40 in the x-direction. Furthermore, the arrangement of magnets 40 is notlimited to the arrays illustrated in FIGS. 2A and 2B; thus, magnets 40may be arranged in any pattern so long as magnets 40 are not contiguouswith each other.

[0026] Arranging magnets 40 in an array such that a predetermined spaceis present between adjacent magnets 40 in the x and y directions permitstool holder 10 to be flexible any combination of directions, includingcurvilinear, thereby allowing tool holder 10 to conform to surfaceshaving various contours such as flat surfaces, curved surfaces (e.g.,convex or concave), spherical surfaces (e.g., convex or concave), anduneven surfaces (e.g., dimpled, wavy, or stepped). Also, the spacingbetween magnets 40 allows tool holder 10 to be flexed at a tighterradius of curvature than the prior art magnetic tool holders. Further,the spacing between adjacent magnets 40 permits tool holder 10 to befoldable along multiple axes wherein each axis is located betweenadjacent magnets 40 as shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B (see axes A₁, A₂, andA₃). Another advantage created by the spacing between adjacent magnetsis that the weight of tool holder 10 is reduced compared to prior arttool holder having magnets positioned side-by-side one another.

[0027] Preferably, magnets 40 are of the hard, permanent type such asNeodymium Iron Boron (NdFeB) magnets, but other types of hard magnetsmay be used alone or in combination with NdFeB magnets such as SamariumCobalt (SmCo), Aluminum Nickel Cobalt (AlNiCo), Ferrite, orFerrite/Ceramic magnets. Also, it is possible to use flexible magnets toreplace the hard magnets. Furthermore, although magnets 40 are square,magnets 40 may be round, rectangular, or any other shape.

[0028] Preferably, magnets 40 have a single pole on each pole surface,but it is possible to utilize magnets 40 having multiple poles on eachpole surface alone or in combination with magnets 40 having a singlepole on each pole surface. Optionally, magnets 40 may be randomlyoriented between first and second layers 20, 30 with respect topolarity. For example, assuming that magnets 40 having a single pole oneach pole surface are utilized, the “north” face of some magnets 40 mayface first layer 20, while the “south” face of other magnets may alsoface first layer 20.

[0029] The ability to flex tool holder 10 along multiple axes permitstool holder 10 to be bent and shaped as desired by a user. For example,tool holder 10 can be mounted on surfaces having varying contours, suchas an uneven or a curved surface (e.g., convex or concave), due to theflexibility of first and second layers 20, 30 and the spaces betweenmagnets 40.

[0030] Because magnets 40 are arranged such that the faces of magnets 40will attract metal on both the outer surfaces 24, 34 of first and secondlayers 20, 30, tool holder 10 can be attached to and easily pulled awayfrom a mounting surface and repositioned on another mounting surface.Outer surface 24 of tool holder 10 may be mounted on a metallic surfaceto position tool holder 10 so that a user can access tools.Consequently, outer surface 34 of tool holder 10 is then used to holdtools. For example, if the outer surface 24 of tool holder 10 isattached to an automobile hood, then the outer surface 34 of tool holder10 can be used to hold tools.

[0031] To prevent magnets 40 from moving around between first and secondlayers 20, 30 thereby maintaining magnets 40 in its particular array,first and second layers 20, 30 are heat sealed around each magnet 40forming a heat seal ring 42 (or other shape) around each magnet 40 asshown in FIG. 2A. Other possible methods to keep magnets 40 in place isto stitch around each magnet 24 forming a stitching ring (or othershape) or glue each magnet 40 to either or both inner surfaces 22, 32using an epoxy or other adhesive.

[0032] The peripheral edges of first and second layers 20, 30 may beheat sealed or sonic welded together thereby forming edge seams 50 toprevent first and second layers 20, 30 from separating apart.Optionally, first and second layers 20, 30 may be stitched togetheralong peripheral edges to form edge seams 50. Alternatively, first andsecond layers 20, 30 may be glued together along the peripheral edges oftool holder 10 using an epoxy or other adhesive. Further, first andsecond layers 20, 30 may be heat sealed together across the length oftool holder 10 to form seams 52 as shown in FIG. 2A. Seams 52 may serveas a guide for folding tool holder 10 in a similar fashion as folding aletter. Of course, those skilled in the art will recognize that seams 52can be spaced apart at any distance desirable for serving as guides forfolding tool holder 10.

[0033] Tool holder 10 further includes two hollow grommets 54 to permitthe user to hang tool holder 10 on hooks, pegs, or the like. Optionally,tool holder 10 may be provided with two openings that extend throughboth first and second layers 20, 30 to permit the user to hang toolholder 10 on hooks, pegs, or the like. Although tool holder 10 includestwo hollow grommets 54 to permit the user to hang tool holder 10, oneskilled in the art would recognize that less than two or more than twohollow grommets 54 may be provided.

[0034] Referring to FIGS. 4-6, a magnetic tool holder 10 according toanother embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. Tool holder10′ is similar to tool holder 10, yet further comprises a flexiblejacket 58 that includes a third layer 60 having an inner surface 62 andan outer surface 64 and a fourth layer 70 having an inner surface 72 andan outer surface 74 to protect the outer surfaces 24, 34 of first andsecond layers 20, 30. Alternatively, one skilled in the art wouldrecognize that a single sheet of material may be used and folded in halfto create two layers. In the case where a single sheet of material isused, the single sheet of material exhibits a hypothetical longitudinalline that divides the sheet of material into a first layer and a secondlayer when the sheet of material is folded along the longitudinalhypothetical line. Once the sheet of material is folded, the innersurface of the first layer is facing the inner surface of the secondlayer.

[0035] In this embodiment, first and second layers 20, 30 with magnets40 disposed therebetween are provided between third and fourth layers60, 70. Both third and fourth layers 60, 70 are made from a flexibletool material such as PVC sheet tool material that is 0.8 mm thick. Theincreased thickness of third and fourth layers provides extra protectionagainst magnet damage to magnets 40. Although it is preferable to usePVC sheet tool material as the flexible tool material for third andfourth layers 30, 36, other tool materials may be used such as leather,neoprene, cloth, or other flexible plastic tool materials. Also,although it is preferable that the PVC sheet tool material is 0.8 mmthick, other thicknesses may be used depending on the application.

[0036] To couple third layer 60 to fourth layer 70, third layer 60 andfourth layer 70 are heat sealed together (either alone or in combinationwith first and second layers 20, 30) along the peripheral edges of thirdand fourth layers 60, 70 to form edge seams 50 and across the length offlexible jacket 58 to form seams 52 as shown in FIG. 5. The edge seams50 formed along the peripheral edges prevent third and fourth layers 60,70 from separating apart at the edges. The coupling of third and fourthlayers 60, 70 to first and second layers 20, 30 through seams 52 serveto strengthen tool holder 10′ and prevent first and second layers 20, 30from bunching up between third and fourth layers 60, 70. Optionally,third and fourth layers 30, 36 and first and second layers 20, 30 may bestitched together along peripheral edges of flexible jacket 58 to formedge seams 50 and across the length of flexible jacket 55 to form seams52. Another possible method is to glue third and fourth layers 60, 70together the peripheral edges of tool holder 10 using an epoxy or otheradhesive.

[0037] Tool holder 10′ further includes two hollow grommets 54 to permitthe user to hang tool holder 10′ on hooks, pegs, or the like.Optionally, tool holder 10′ may be provided with two openings thatextend through first, second, third, and fourth layers 20, 30, 60, 70 topermit the user to hang tool holder 10′ on hooks, pegs, or the like.Although tool holder 10′ includes two hollow grommets 54 to permit theuser to hang tool holder 10′, one skilled in the art would recognizethat less than two or more than two hollow grommets 54 may be provided.

[0038] Although the figures depict tool holders 10 and 10′ asrectangular in shape, it is possible to form tool holders 10 and 10′ inany geometric shape such as circular, triangular, pentagonal, hexagonal,octagonal, or any other shape. Optionally, the tool holder may be formedin the shape of a company's logo or trademark.

[0039] With respect to FIG. 7, an assembled view of magnetic tool holder10 is illustrated. Tools 90 may be placed on tool holder 10 so thattools 90 are not easily disturbed from the location. Tools 90 are heldto the tool holder 10 by magnetic attracting forces emanating from outersurface 24 of first layer 20. If tool holder 10 is placed on a magneticsurface, then tool holder 10 is held to the magnetic surface by magneticattracting forces emanating from outer surface 34 of second layer 30.Tool holder 10 is also useful in keeping nuts 92 and bolts 94 fromrolling away from the work area defined by tool holder 10. In someinstances, tool holder 10 is placed on a flat, horizontal surface. Incontrast, tool holder 10 may be placed on a vertical, magnetic surfacesuch as a cabinet or the like. Tools 90 may be attracted to tool holder10 on a vertical surface similar to the attraction between tools 90 andtool holder 10 on a horizontal surface.

[0040] With respect to FIG. 8, a view of magnetic tool holder 10attached to a nonplanar surface 96 (e.g., curved surface) is shown.Because tool holder 10 is flexible and includes spaces between eachmagnet 40, the surface on which tool holder 10 rests does not need to beplanar. Tool holder 10 is magnetically attracted to the nonplanarsurface 96 and further attracts magnetizable tools 90 to tool holder 10.Tool holder 10 may be used, for example, when a mechanic is workingunder a hood and needs a plurality of tools 90 at his disposal. Themechanic may attach the tools 90 to tool holder 10 so that he does nothave to travel to and from a tool bench whenever a different tool isneeded.

[0041] In another embodiment, tool holder 10 may include a lip or ledgeat the bottom of tool holder 10 to catch or hold anything that mayaccidentally slide off tool holder 10. Alternatively, a pouch or pocketmay be provided on tool holder 10 to serve as a safety feature in casetools accidentally slide off of tool holder 10. The pouches may be madeof a netting material or translucent plastic material so that the usercan see the tools that fell into the pouches or pockets.

[0042] In yet another embodiment, a removable, washable cover or liningmay be provided for tool holder 10 to maintain the cleanliness of toolholder 10 including the removal of metal shavings from tool holder 10.If provided, a user may remove the cover and wash or shake the cover toremove dirt, metal shavings, and/or debris.

[0043] Although the embodiments discussed above refer to only toolholder 10, it is obvious that tool holder 10′ may be used and modifiedin similar fashions as tool holder 10.

[0044] In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention,FIG. 9 illustrates an apron 100 having an apron portion 110, a magneticattractive portion 120, and straps 130 to be tied around a user's waist.The magnetic attractive portion 120 is defined by a plurality of magnets140 disposed in apron 100 (between the two layers of tool material thatcomprise apron 100) in an array such that no magnet 140 is contiguouswith another magnet 140. Alternatively, magnets 140 may be provided in aflexible tool holder, similar to the ones described above (tool holder10, 10′ shown in FIGS. 1-6) that is disposed on apron 100 (front or rearouter surface) or between the layers comprising apron 100. The magneticattractive portion 120 of apron 100 functions in a similar manner as theflexible magnetic tool holder 10, 10′ as described above. The apronportion 110 may include a pocket 150 and/or loop(s) 160 which areattached to the front outer surface of the apron portion 110 to holdvarious objects such as plastic or non-metallic parts, rubber washers,wooden objects such as pencils, or measuring devices such as rulers.Pocket 150 could also be used to hold bulky items such as tapemeasurers, rolls of adhesive tape or a work cloth. The apron portion 110could also include a slit (not shown) for holding such objects.

[0045] In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention,FIG. 10 illustrates a wristband 200 comprising a strap 205, a ring 210,a magnetic attractive portion 220, and a hook 225 a and loop 225 barrangement for attachment to a user's wrist. The magnetic attractiveportion 220 is defined by a plurality of magnets 240 disposed inwristband 200 (between the two layers of tool material that comprisewristband 200) in an array such that no magnet 240 is contiguous withanother magnet 240. Alternatively, magnets 240 may be provided in aflexible tool holder, similar to the ones described above (i.e., toolholders 10, 10′ shown in FIGS. 1-6) that is disposed on wristband 200(front or rear outer surface) or between the layers comprising wristband200. The magnetic attractive portion 220 of wristband 200 functions in asimilar manner as the flexible magnetic tool holder 10, 10′ as describedabove.

[0046] In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention,FIG. 11 illustrates a vest 300 having vest portion 310 and a magneticattractive portion 320 defined by a plurality of magnets 340 disposed invest 300 (between the two layers of tool material that comprise vest300) in an array such that no magnet 340 is contiguous with anothermagnet 340. Alternatively, magnets 340 may be provided in a flexibletool holder, similar to the ones described above (tool holder 10,10′shown in FIGS. 1-6) that is disposed on vest 300 (front or rear outersurface) or between the layers comprising vest 300. The magneticattractive portion 320 of vest 300 functions in a similar manner as theflexible magnetic tool holder 10, 10′ as described above. The vestportion 310 may include a pocket 350 that is attached to the front outersurface of the vest portion 310 to hold various objects such as plasticor non-metallic parts, rubber washers, wooden objects such as pencils,or measuring devices such as rulers. Pocket 350 could also be used tohold bulky items such as tape measurers, rolls of adhesive tape or awork cloth.

[0047] Although the invention has been described with reference to thepreferred embodiments, it will be apparent to one skilled in the artthat variations and modifications are contemplated within the spirit andscope of the invention. The drawings and description of the preferredembodiments are made by way of example rather than to limit the scope ofthe invention, and it is intended to cover within the spirit and scopeof the invention all such changes and modifications.

What is claimed is:
 1. A flexible magnetic tool holder comprising: afirst flexible layer having an inner surface and an outer surface; asecond flexible layer having an inner surface and an outer surface; aplurality of magnets disposed between said inner surfaces of said firstand second layers, said plurality of magnets being arranged in apredetermined array such that adjacent magnets are spaced apredetermined distance apart from each other in a first direction and asecond direction perpendicular to said first direction; and means forcoupling said first flexible layer to said second flexible layer therebydefining a flexible main body, said tool holder being foldable alongmultiple axes wherein each axis is located between adjacent magnets. 2.The tool holder of claim 1, wherein said first and second flexiblelayers comprise PVC sheet material.
 3. The tool holder of claim 1,wherein each magnet is maintained in said predetermined array by a heatseal that couples said first layer to said second layer around eachmagnet.
 4. The tool holder of claim 1, wherein said plurality of magnetscomprise Neodymium Iron Boron magnets.
 5. The tool holder of claim 1,wherein adjacent magnets are spaced a predetermined distance apart suchthat said tool holder may be folded along an axis located between saidadjacent magnets.
 6. The tool holder of claim 1, wherein said couplingmeans comprise a heat seal disposed about the perimeter of said magnetictool holder.
 7. The tool holder of claim 1, further comprising a pair ofstraps connected to said main body to permit said tool holder to be wornas an apron.
 8. The tool holder of claim 1, further comprising a strapand ring connected to opposite sides of said main body to permit saidtool holder to be worn as a wristband.
 9. The tool holder of claim 1,further comprising a flexible jacket that is disposed about said firstand second flexible layers to protect said outer surfaces of said firstand second layers.
 10. The tool holder of claim 9, wherein said flexiblejacket comprises: a third flexible layer having an inner surface and anouter surface, and a fourth flexible layer having an inner surface andan outer surface wherein said inner surface of said third layer facesthe outer surface of said first layer and said inner surface of saidfourth layer faces the outer surface of said second layer.
 11. The toolholder of claim 10, wherein said third and fourth flexible layerscomprise PVC sheet material.
 12. The tool holder of claim 10, whereinsaid flexible jacket further comprises a heat seal disposed about theperimeter of said magnetic tool holder.
 13. The tool holder of claim 10,wherein said flexible jacket further comprises at least one heat sealdisposed along an axis parallel to an edge of said jacket therebycoupling said first, second, third, and fourth flexible layers together.14. A flexible magnetic tool holder comprising: a flexible body havinginner and outer surfaces, said flexible body exhibiting a hypotheticallongitudinal line that divides said flexible body into a first layer anda second layer when said flexible body is folded along said longitudinalhypothetical line such that said inner surface of said first layer isfacing said inner surface of said second layer; and a plurality ofmagnets disposed between said first and second layer, said plurality ofmagnets being arranged in a predetermined array wherein adjacent magnetsare spaced a predetermined distance apart from each other; said toolholder being foldable along multiple axes wherein each axis is locatedbetween adjacent magnets.
 15. The tool holder of claim 14, wherein saidflexible body comprises PVC sheet material.
 16. The tool holder of claim14, wherein each magnet is maintained in said predetermined array by aheat seal that couples said first layer to said second layer around eachmagnet.
 17. The tool holder of claim 14, wherein said first layerincludes a first edge oriented substantially perpendicular to saidlongitudinal hypothetical line, a second edge oriented substantiallyparallel to and spaced a distance away from said longitudinalhypothetical line and contiguous with said first edge, and a third edgeoriented substantially perpendicular to said longitudinal hypotheticalline and contiguous with said second edge, wherein said second layerincludes a fourth edge oriented substantially perpendicular to saidlongitudinal hypothetical line, a fifth edge oriented substantiallyparallel to and spaced a distance away from said longitudinalhypothetical line and contiguous with said fourth edge, and a sixth edgeoriented substantially perpendicular to said longitudinal hypotheticalline and contiguous with said edge, such that when said flexible body isfolded along said longitudinal hypothetical line, said first edge meetswith said fourth edge, said second edge meets with said fifth edge, andsaid third edge meets with said sixth edge.
 18. The tool holder of claim17, wherein said first edge and fourth edge, said second edge and saidfifth edge, and said third edge and said sixth edge are heat sealedtogether to form edge seams thereby preventing said first layer fromseparating from said second layer.
 19. The tool holder of claim 14,further comprising a flexible jacket that is disposed about saidflexible body to protect said outer surface of said flexible body.
 20. Aflexible magnetic tool holder comprising: a first flexible layer havingan inner surface and an outer surface; a second flexible layer having aninner surface and an outer surface; a plurality of magnets disposedbetween said inner surfaces of said first and second layers, saidplurality of magnets being arranged in a predetermined array such thatadjacent magnets are spaced a predetermined distance apart from eachother in a first direction and a second direction perpendicular to saidfirst direction; and means for coupling said first flexible layer tosaid second flexible layer, said tool holder being flexible along anycombinations of directions, including curvilinear, thereby permittingtool holder to conform to surfaces having various contours.